Carifta gold medallist relishes second ‘homecoming’

The 2011 Carifta 800-metre male Under-17 champion Barbadian Jerrad Mason relishes coming to his second home, St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Mason, who is the son of Vincentian Joanne Miller-Mason, and who won the event in Jamaica last year in one minute 51.79 seconds, spent part of his vacation here to be part of the track and field camp put on by Team Athletics SVG, held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field during last month.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT at the close of the camp, Mason said that he utilized his time here to keep in shape, as he intends to compete in his pet event, the 800m, but this time in the Under-20 age group.

“I enjoyed the camp; I love coming here, as I get to meet a lot of friends and spend time with my grandparents,” Mason said.

Mason said that coming to St Vincent and the Grenadines and running on grass was not much of a problem to him, as he is accustomed to train on grass in Barbados.

He, however, thinks that having a synthetic track would be a boost to St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Athletics programme.

Mason stated that his track and field schedule often restricts more frequent visits to his second home.

He disclosed that an injury had kept him out of the 2012 regional youth games; hence, he is working his way back to full fitness and conditioning.

Presently a sixth form student at the Harrison College, where he is majoring in accounting, Mason has his eyes set on an athletic scholarship.(RT)